Pirelli back on the rough stuff

Milan, 06/05/2005 - The Rally of Cyprus is the slowest, hottest and roughest rally of the year, making it a real test for drivers, cars and especially tyres. The rate of attrition is notoriously high, and it's a question of survival of the fittest. Cyprus is the first of a trio of abrasive gravel rallies in the Mediterranean, where temperatures regularly peak at well over 30 degrees centigrade. The rally is characterised by several tight hairpin bends, which mean that effective traction and braking performance from the tyres is an essential requirement. Pirelli's three teams - Subaru, Peugeot and Mitsubishi - will be using three types of tyre in Cyprus: the XR, the KP and the K. As always, the P Zero range will be equipped with Pirelli's EMI anti-deflation system. For rough stages with rocky gravel XR (Size: 225/55-15) Steps: 3 and 5 (with evolutions) Description: The XR is the toughest tyre in the Pirelli range, designed to withstand extremes of temperature and high wear. The XR3 will be the base tyre for Cyprus, but for cooler conditions - such as those in the morning - the softer XR5 is available. For rough stages with rain KP (Size: 205/65-15) Steps: 2 and 4 Description: Although Cyprus is always hot, sudden rainstorms can occur high up in the mountains which flood the stages. The KP will work effectively in rain and mud, and can be hand-cut in order to disperse water even more effectively. For smoother stages with rain K (Size: 205/65-15) Steps: 2 and 4 Description: The K is an alternative tyre choice in the event of rain. It traditionally works best on smoother stages with less loose gravel. The K4 can be used in the coolest conditions. NB. The higher the step number, the softer the tyre compound. The production car World Championship Cyprus is the third round of the Production Car World Championship. The majority of Pirelli runners have chosen to run with especially reinforced XR3 tyres, as the rules do not allow Group N cars to use anti-deflation mousse. An alternative tyre choice in the event of rain is the K2. Download the pdf here More information and photographs on Pirelli's motor sport activities: www.pirellicompetizioni.com